THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, September 20, 1996 TAG: 9609190026
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A18 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 25 lines
It was a great pleasure to read Debra Gordon's article, ``Things to consider when seeking care for the elderly'' (Sept. 3, Daily Break). With the population of our ``old'' elderly increasing so rapidly, the need for comfortable, dignified care in a suitable setting is becoming an item of discussion in many households.
Nursing homes of the future will not function like the long-term care homes in existence today. It will be a short-term-care facility caring for the rehabilitative or terminal patient. The government will no longer pay for three plus years of stay but will look for ``alternatives to institutions.'' These alternatives may include assisted-living sites, congregate living, medical model adult day centers and other home-based programs. It will be the task of the community to find the proper setting for the care of our mothers and fathers.
BRYAN R. MESH
Executive director
Beth Sholom Home of Eastern Virginia
Virginia Beach, Sept. 8, 1996 by CNB